Posted on 02/06/2007 8:33:11 AM PST by Alouette
Ku Klux Klan experiences ‘surprising and troubling resurgence’ in US during the past year due to exploitation of hot issues such as immigration, gay marriage, urban crime, according to report
Ynetnews Published: 02.06.07, 12:37
The Ku Klux Klan has experienced "a surprising and troubling resurgence" in the United States during the past year, an Anti-Defamation League report revealed Tuesday.
According to the report, the white supremacy group has successfully exploited issues such as immigration, gay marriage and urban crime to draw in new members and accelerate activity.
The ADL monitors the activities of hate groups and reports developments to policy makers and law enforcement agencies. ADL Civil Rights Director Deborah M. Lauter pointed to immigration as the key issue stirring up racist sentiments in the United States.
"If any one single issue or trend can be credited with re-energizing the Klan, it is the debate over immigration in America," said Lauter.
"Klan groups have witnessed a surprising and troubling resurgence by exploiting fears of an immigration explosion, and the debate over immigration has, in turn, helped to fuel an increase in Klan activity, with new groups sprouting in parts of the country that have not seen much activity," she added.
A surge in clan activity was identified especially in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The increase in activity was characterized by growing membership, establishment of new groups, increased cooperation with neo-Nazi groups, and new publicity tactics including dispatching flyers, publication over the internet and the launch of an internet-base radio station.
Lauter also noted the changing nature of klan members.
"Although some Klansmen may still hold cross-burnings dressed in robes and hoods, today's young Klansmen are more likely to look virtually indistinguishable from racist skinheads or neo-Nazis," said Lauter.
"Today's Klansmen may be as likely to gather at white power music concerts or socialize at so-called 'unity rallies' with other white supremacists, as to participate in ritualistic cross burnings in the rural wilderness," she added.
Personally, I equate the KKK and ADL. Both are hate groups, just different in makeup of members and tactics.
Some folks who joined the Klan were like that. There were individuals in the 'hated' groups that they liked and dealt with on a day to day basis. It was the 'group' that they hated; strange, but there it is.
They just want to be like their hero KKK Robert Byrd from West Virginny....Democrat-ick.
FUND-RAISING ALERT!!!! The ADL gets their pink panties twisted over 500 guys in the rurals.
Now anytime you mention border control, the KKK will be brought up and you will have to prove you don't own any sheets. The Southern Poverty Law Center is just a bunch of terrorists.
This is so bogus. It sounds like propaganda to try to make the white people look like criminals.
I suspect the article is an attempt to taint anyone who holds those positions by association. If you're concerned about up to 20M illegals, you're just like the Klan...if you talk about "Christian principles," why that means you're some kind of bigoted right wing fundamentalist. And, of course...if you support the 2nd Amendment, well you must be some kind of right wing militia type. Probably engage in polygamy, too...(/sarc).
I know what you meant, and I agree. You will want to choose your words carefully, so as not to be chosen for some kind of verbal assault. Those who have an agenda will misinterpret what you say, if it suits their agenda.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.